A CUSTOM designed McDonald's will be built in Moss Vale.
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Council approved a development application (DA) for a McDonald's fast food restaurant with a drive through facility on the corner of Robertson Road and Argyle Street in Moss Vale.
The DA originally came before council in July of 2012, but was not approved due to a series of councillor concerns, including that it didn't fit the heritage nature of Moss Vale.
Kate Locke, a resident of a neighbouring block for 16 months who said she had not been made aware of the development at the time of purchasing, spoke on behalf of opponents to the McDonald's restaurant.
Ms Locke highlighted a series of issues with the proposed development, including impact on privacy, pollution and property values.
"We believe the site for the McDonald's development is totally inappropriate," she said.
"The site is too small for such a development, it is close and surrounded by houses that council has deemed to be of some sort of historic value, the opening hours would impact the day-to-day living environment of close neighbours and the site is located on an already, at times, congested traffic intersection."
Jessica Thomas spoke on behalf of McDonald's Australia and the proprietor and said a considerable amount of time had been spent addressing the concerns.
"We've been through quite a rigorous assessment and we have spent a considerable amount of time addressing the concerns of the assessing officer, in particular with demonstrating a stronger connection to the local environment," she said.
"It's not a standard McDonald's design. It's a custom design that's been specifically tailored to link our restaurant with the heritage and character of Moss Vale.
"It is one of a kind and will not be replicated anywhere in Australia."
Despite the opposition from neighbours and reluctance of some councillors, the DA was approved as Mayor Duncan Gair said the "horse has bolted" because the previous council had rezoned the area and approved a planning proposal.
"I voted against it four years ago as I did not believe it was the right site, but it was supported by the previous council and time has moved on," he said.
While Councillor Holly Campbell said she was philosophically opposed to McDonald's, they had a reputation for being a terrific employer.
"McDonald's does its job well and I agree with Cr Gair that we are likely to have a McDonald's whether we like it or not," she said.
Cr Whipper agreed with Mayor Gair and said there was "no way out" and council had to do the best they could for the neighbours.
Councillor Jim Clark was the only councilor to vote against the DA.